Albert de Rippe

Albert de Rippe, born in Mantua around 1500, was a renowned Italian lutenist and composer who made a significant impact on the musical scene of the Renaissance. Before 1528, de Rippe honed his craft in his hometown, but his career took a pivotal turn when he moved to France. There, he joined the court of Francis I in 1529, where he quickly gained favor and respect. His annual salary was notably higher than that of any other lutenist, and he received numerous gifts and benefits, reflecting his esteemed status. Francis I even granted de Rippe a letter of naturalization, ensuring his descendants' inheritance. De Rippe's legacy endured even after his death in 1551, with the poet Pierre de Ronsard penning a eulogy that famously claimed de Rippe's lute continued to play music from his tomb. His compositions, preserved in tabulatures, offer a glimpse into the elegant and intricate world of Renaissance lute music, making his works a treasure for classical music enthusiasts.